PAUL GREAVES FROM SOMERFORD SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN RINGWOOD PUBLIC TOILETS
In a case that has shocked the local community, 73-year-old Paul Greaves, a resident of Somerford, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young boy in Ringwood.The incident took place in public toilets, where Greaves engaged in a series of disturbing acts over a two-year period from 2007 to 2009.
Greaves, a former salesman originally from Barnsley who now resides on Dorset Road in Somerford, was found guilty after a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
The charges included rape, five counts of sexual assault on a child, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing a child to watch pornography.
The severity of his crimes and the impact on the victim have been described as 'beyond disgusting' by the victim’s mother, who was visibly distressed during her statement.
The court heard that Greaves’s health is in a fragile state, with his general practitioner expressing doubt that he will survive beyond three more years due to a serious heart condition.
The judge sentenced Greaves to nine years in prison, a sentence that the victim’s family considers a measure of justice, though they remain deeply affected by the trauma.
The victim’s mother, speaking tearfully after the sentencing, said, “I’m relieved, but I still don’t feel better – I feel awful.
I don’t have the words to do justice to what he has done – disgusting, isn’t enough, it’s beyond that.
My son has been extremely brave.” The boy’s father also commented on the case, stating, “We didn’t know what to expect but nine years is a pretty good outcome.
We don’t know how it will affect our son in the future.
He is seeing a child psychologist at the moment.” Detective Constable Keilly Bunce, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage, saying, “If a victim of this sort of crime has got any chance of recovering, it’s with a family like this – they are amazing.” As part of his sentence, Greaves is required to register as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual offences prevention order.
The restrictions include a ban from approaching children, using a computer without police supervision, living with a child, or attending any school, youth club, or sports event involving children.
These measures aim to prevent any further harm and ensure community safety.
